Saint Frida

I used to thoroughly dislike Frida Kahlo's artwork.  I think it was this part of me that wanted to be striving for that artistic elite--- that only training could produce a fine artist.  It was a reflection of how I felt about my own shitty art.  That I couldn't draw or paint or sculpt as well as other people I saw around me could be ignored because I was learning.  I was in training, so eventually I'd be a "very serious artist" and could therefore be taken seriously.

Since then, since I dropped out of "art school" (read: preparation for art school by taking art classes at community college) and went to college for religious studies, my view of the art world has changed considerably. 

That's why seeing the movie "Frida" really reminded me of how my view has changed, and how Frida Kahlo fits exactly what I love about art.  She was this untrained artist, working from within, painting the way she wanted to, painting the subject matter that was important to her.  She didn't go to school, she didn't need to prove herself, and she didn't need to be validated by the elite art scene.

That's actually why I never pursued art school.  Well, part of it, anyway.  The biggest reason is that I didn't think I was good enough.  I think it would be sour grapes to say that I chose a different path because of the elitism.  Honestly? My shit wasn't that good.  But a part of it really was that Hollywood mentality.... having to know the right people, having to sell yourself... having to kiss ass.  That's not to say that there aren't plenty of artists who make it without doing any of that.  They make it solely on their raw talent and don't stoop to being exclusive of others or snobby about who they like or don't like.

Frida became accepted by the elite art scene of the time, which is cool, but she's a great example of how anyone can make art.  As cheesy as it sounds, it's just that creativity that comes from within, and you don't need formal training to let it shine.

The Clothed Anteater Hall of Fame

I don't know, man. People have anteaters as pets and they dress them like people.  I was unaware of this phenomena until like 30 minutes ago, and now I'm so glad I'm in the know.

You got yer jean jacket anteater:

yer purple winter parka anteater:

yer plaid peacoat anteater:

yer weird gangly anteater in a black tee shirt:

yer freaky elderly couple in bad sweaters:

yer classy cowl-neck sweater anteater:

And then there's this naked one.  Drinking beer:

These are all pictures I found just doing a google image search for "anteaters", "pet anteaters", or "anteaters in clothes".

I don't draw much anymore

Why don't I? I used to do it all the time.  I would experiment with different styles, different techniques, take inspiration from different things.

I picked up a copy of the latest Giant Robot magazine and saw art by Matt Furie, who I've never heard of before.  I found his work to be crazy inspiring to me.  It made me want to start drawing again.  His stuff reminds me of stuff by Dehara, with that gritty, creepy surreal colored-pencil sheen to it.  It's the type of art I'd like to get into making myself.  I just feel so out of my depth art-wise these days.  I feel very little confidence in it anymore. I am a junior-college art school drop-out.  I left art and got a Bachelor's  in Religious Studies. And it wasn't because I didn't like making art. It was because I lacked the patience to truly develop my skills and I just wasn't as good as I needed to be.  Maybe it's time to take out the pencils and try again.  With patience this time.